Forget Abel Hernandez, Harry Maguire is who Koeman should target in Niasse swap deal

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Everton have been linked with Abel Hernandez – but it’s Hull team-mate Harry Maguire they should be targeting.

Hull City’s Oumar Niasse scores their second goal against Liverpool

According to The Mirror, Everton are interested in snapping up Hull City striker Abel Hernandez in a part-exchange deal involving Oumar Niasse – but they should move for Harry Maguire instead.

The Toffees are expected to be active in the summer transfer window as Ronald Koeman look to build his side, and Europa League qualification may help the club to attract players.

Koeman has been backed heavily in the transfer market by shareholder Farhad Moshiri so far, and rumours are already surrounding Everton’s transfer plans at the end the season.

The Mirror report that Everton are keen to sign a new striker to offer some cover and competition for star hitman Romelu Lukaku, with Hull City’s Abel Hernandez allegedly a target.

Uruguayan striker Hernandez, 26, hit 20 Championship goals last season as Hull won promotion to the Premier League, but he’s found the net just four times in the top flight this term.

With Everton outcast Oumar Niasse currently on loan at Hull, it’s suggested that the Toffees could offer a part-exchange deal – but instead of targeting Hernandez, it’s defender Harry Maguire who should be on Koeman’s wish list.

23-year-old Maguire has starred in the Hull back line this season, and his recent performances mean that Premier League clubs will be looking to snap him up, whether Hull stay up or not.

Big, physical and strong in the air as well as impressive on the ball, Maguire looks to have a huge future ahead of him, and he makes more sense for Everton to target than Hernandez.

Stoke City’s Wilfried Bony in action with Hull City’s Harry Maguire

If Everton are to land a striker, they need a player with a more impressive goal record in the Premier League than Hernandez, whilst his injury problems in his Premier League campaigns should also be a concern.

However, Maguire fits the bill; Everton will want to boost their back line given Phil Jagielka’s advancing years, and whilst it’s claimed that Burnley’s Michael Keane is wanted by the Toffees, Maguire may be a suitable alternative.

Buying British may be a focus for Everton, with Maguire ticking that box, whilst the stats below show that he’s averaging more tackles and interceptions per game, as well as more aerial duels won per game than Everton’s current centre back Ramiro Funes Mori.

Keane should be Everton’s top centre back target given his performances for Burnley, but if they are to pursue a part-exchange deal with Hull involving Niasse, it should be for Maguire rather than the hit-and-miss Hernandez.

Would you like to see Everton move for Maguire?